Hull 25 Harrogate 0

A 25-0 loss looks like an absolute stuffing but it certainly wasn’t that. Harrogate dominated most of the 1st half but declined several kickable penalty opportunities which would have given them a substantial lead. Nearing the interval, Steve Johnson eagerly accepted their first penalty chance and, in the last move of the half, former Harrogate prop Ben Boothman crashed over to make it 8-0.

Late injury withdrawals forced Harrogate into last minute changes including the vital stand-off position. Veteran scrum half, Phil Wickham slotted seamlessly into the No10 role, dealing calmly and constructively with everything that came his way. Jacob Percival, making his first start at hooker, was part of a dynamic front row and his line-out throwing was inch perfect throughout.

Hull undoubtedly upped their game after the interval and, though Harrogate continued to exert pressure with constructive forward drives, Hull clinically seized their scoring opportunities to run out clear winners.

Good line-out ball and a well constructed threequarters moves led to a try from winger Michael Adlard to open Hull’s 2nd half account. Harrogate were further handicapped when 2nd row, Brandon Hannam had to retire with a serious leg injury and, almost immediately, Hull regained possession from a Harrogate scrum and scrum half Sam Crane darted over to score.

Though more and more on the back foot, Harrogate continued to counter-attack with several powerful Harry Barnard runs out of defence. Powerful Sam Brady driving runs were supported by Jonny Coser, Tim Heaton and the seemingly tireless Martin Dodds. Left winger, Sam Parry came agonisingly close to scoring from quick turnover ball and full-back Ben Raubitschek continued to impress with safe hands and searing counter attacks.

Hull were reduced to 14 men for the final 10 minutes when Lato Makaafi was carded for a high tackle but their defence still grouped impressively to keep Harrogate out. Ironically, their final bonus point winning try was scored by Keane Naylor, yet another former Harrogate player. Crane’s conversion ended the match

Hull
Trueman, Adlard, Heard, Johnson, Naylor, Dean, Crane, Kivali, Thomson, Boothman, Curry, Regardsoe, O’Donnell, Cowen, Hall. Subs:- Harding, Humberstone, Makaafi, Jobling, Dias.

Harrogate
Raubitschek, Barnard, Knowles, Edwards, Parry, Wickham, Keith, Baxter, Percival, Dennis, Brady, Hannam, Dodds, J Coser, Thompson. Subs:- Mason, Wurzal, Heaton, Lansdall,Kitching.

Referee
Daniel Woods (RFU)